Virtual Learning Days

OKCPS utilizes district-approved digital platforms, including Canvas, Seesaw and district-developed Choice Boards, to deliver virtual instruction, communicate with families, and ensure equitable access to learning materials for all students. These tools provide a consistent, secure, and user-friendly experience for both staff and families during virtual learning days.

Canvas: A secure, web-based learning management system (LMS), primarily in secondary schools. It provides a structured digital environment for managing courses, assignments, assessments, and communication between teachers and students.

Seesaw: Seesaw is a digital learning platform used by OKCPS for students in Pre-K through 4th grade, allowing them to create, share, and showcase their work using tools like drawing, photos, audio, and typing. Teachers use Seesaw to assign activities, provide feedback, and communicate with families, giving parents a transparent view of 2 their child’s progress and classroom activities. It’s designed to be intuitive for young learners, supporting both digital skill-building and family engagement in the learning process.

Choice Boards: Developed by district instructional teams, Choice Boards serve as a primary instructional resource for students and families during virtual learning days. Students will be provided access to grade-level boards and will be available on the OKCPS website. The boards provide standards-aligned activities across various grade-level appropriate subjects. Students select activities from each subject area, giving them voice and choice while reinforcing key skills and maintaining academic progress when in-person instruction is not possible. Schools are asked to make accommodations around those families who do not have internet access for whatever reasons. Physical copies of choice boards are issued before and after the impacted weather day, when requested.

During virtual days, instruction will be primarily asynchronous with synchronous office hours from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Teachers will share choice board assignments via Canvas, Talking Points, email or Seesaw by 8:30 a.m. Students will submit one ELA, one Math and one choice learning artifact (e.g., completed task, uploaded photo, or digital quiz).

OKCPS virtual learning is designed to maintain instructional rigor, continuity, and alignment with the Oklahoma Academic Standards, OKCPS pacing guides and Standards Overviews.

Each grade-level Choice Board includes opportunities for practice, application, and enrichment in core content areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Some additional things your student can do would include:

• Elementary students are encouraged to engage in reading for 20 minutes daily, practice math facts, and respond to journal prompts that reinforce literacy and numeracy skills.
• Secondary students are encouraged to engage in independent reading, journal writing, and math computation practice using district-approved learning tools such as Lexia or other adaptive platforms

OKCPS will provide instruction during approved virtual learning days through a combination of asynchronous, synchronous, and paper-based learning options designed to ensure equitable access for all students.

Teachers will share choice board activities with families via Canvas, Seesaw, email or talking points by 8:30 a.m. each virtual learning day.

• Students will complete one literacy, one math, and one choice task from the choice board aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards.
• Teachers will offer virtual office hours via Google Meet from 9:00–12:00 a.m. for student or family check-ins, and will be available for support through regular school hours via email or talking points.
• Students without or limited internet access will receive, upon request, printed Choice Boards ensuring equal opportunity to participate.

• Teachers will share choice board assignments or short instructional videos with families via Canvas, email or talking points by 8:30 a.m. each virtual day.
• Teachers will offer virtual office hours via Google Meet from 9:00–12:00 p.m. for student or family check-ins, and will be available for support through regular school hours via email or talking points. 
• Students will engage in asynchronous coursework, complete choice board activities, and submit digital evidence of learning through Canvas, or email. Students will also have access to additional skills aligned with digital platforms via clever. ( i.e. Lexia, ST Math, IXL)

Students lacking internet access will have the option to request printed paper choice boards to access assignments that will be available upon request.

Teachers will log participation through digital submissions, attendance check-ins, or verification of paper assignments returned within five (5) days of the virtual learning day. All learning activities will align to Oklahoma Academic Standards and district pacing guides.

During virtual instructional days, OKCPS teachers ensure that learning stays consistent, structured, and accessible for all students. They use district-approved communication platforms to share daily expectations and clear instructions for accessing assignments and materials. Lessons and assignments are posted on the district website and shared with families by 8:30 AM on each virtual learning day. Teachers are available to provide academic support through email, or virtual meetings when requested by families. To maintain connection and continuity, teachers are available during regular school hours to communicate with students and families. This ongoing accessibility allows learners to receive timely feedback, personalized support, and the encouragement they need to stay engaged.

Oklahoma City Public Schools offers asynchronous professional learning for instructional staff to ensure readiness for delivering virtual instruction. Training will be provided to teachers and accessible through the district website.

• Canvas and Seesaw
• Sharing Choice Boards with families that are aligned with the Oklahoma Academic Standards;
• Communication with families through TalkingPoints;
• Maintaining IEP accommodations and related services during virtual learning; and
• Cybersecurity and data privacy expectations for digital learning environments

The district also maintains a Help Desk (405-587-HELP) to provide real-time technical assistance for staff during virtual learning days for families. Help desk staff are trained to support students and families using district-approved tools and resources.

Students with Disabilities

Students who receive special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will continue to have access to support from their assigned special education teacher on virtual learning days. Families and students can connect with the teacher for assistance, clarification, or instructional support by email, TalkingPoints, or phone. Teachers will also maintain regular communication to ensure that students’ IEP goals and accommodations are supported during virtual learning. Some special education services, such as related services like speech or occupational therapy, may not occur on a virtual learning day due to the nature of service delivery. However, all special education services will continue to be provided in accordance with the student’s IEP. If a scheduled service is unable to be delivered during a virtual day, that service will be rescheduled or made up consistent with OSDE and IDEA guidance to ensure students receive the services documented in their IEP.

Child Nutrition Services

Under current U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and OSDE guidelines, school meals provided through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program may only be served to students who are physically present and participating in on-site instruction. The USDA does not permit schools to distribute or claim reimbursement for meals served to students who are not in person, except when a federal or state emergency declaration authorizes temporary non-congregate meal service. If such an emergency is declared and non-congregate feeding is authorized, OKCPS Child Nutrition Services will coordinate meal distribution and communicate locations, 5 times, and eligibility requirements through the district’s established communication channels, including automated calls, the district website, and social media.

Transportation for Technology Center Students

Transportation for students enrolled in partner technology center programs will continue to be provided whenever feasible, depending on the reason for the school closure. In the event of a severe weather closure, transportation may not be possible if road conditions are unsafe or if buses are unable to operate. When closures are due to other causes, such as utility disruptions, facility emergencies, or other Governor-declared events, transportation will be evaluated based on the operational status of both OKCPS and the partner technology centers. Historically, technology centers serving OKCPS students have aligned with the district’s schedule and typically close when OKCPS students are not attending in person. If the partner program remains open and transportation can be provided safely, the district will make reasonable efforts to continue service consistent with the student’s regular transportation plan and district safety protocols.